Our Bradford Mission Apprentices and Leeds & Harrogate Interns, all part of our Diocesan Internship Programme, enjoyed a great start to their summer term thanks to Bishop Nick’s invitation to a lunch at Hollin House recently.
Twice a term, the whole cohort gathers together on a Monday, their usual training day, to get to know each other better, encourage one another, learn, and deepen roots of faith and discipleship together.
After a morning of worship and prayer at St Michael’s Parish Hall, with a reflection on Luke 2 and ‘The Boy Jesus at the Temple’ led by the Revd Jude Smith, Diocesan interns and leaders were welcomed by Bishop Nick and his wife Linda at their home for a lunch provided by Nurture, the food and catering arm of St George’s Crypt.
In response to their many questions, Bishop Nick shared about the joys and challenges of his role, the spiritual disciplines and approaches that sustain him in his busy schedule and his experience as a member of the House of Lords.
Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with blind Bartimaeus in the gospel of Mark, he encouraged each one of them to “Take heart. Get up. He is calling you.”
He prayed over them as they continue to work in their churches and encouraged them to give God the glory in all they do.
Bradford Mission Apprentice Chloe said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to speak one to one with Bishop Nick and give him an insight into what I’ll be doing in my church.
“Listening to his talk was very inspirational.
“I’m also very appreciative of his and his wife’s hospitality, they both looked after us so well and were incredibly kind.”
It was a special start to what will be Leeds & Harrogate’s interns’ last term as they spend one year on the programme and it was a welcome experience for Bradford Mission Apprentices who are in their first year of their two year programme.
Click here to find out more about the Diocesan Internship Programme.